10 ways to beat cabin fever this spring break

PHOTOGRAPHER: File Photo

A stingray swims along at Via Aquarium.

Spring break is upon us.
Which is great. As long as you have things to do. Any parent knows that having kids just hang around the house all break is a recipe for cabin (or house) fever.
Luckily, there are a few things going on this week that’ll dissipate that feeling:

Stingray Feeding
The sea creatures of Via Aquarium aren’t just for looking at from afar.
Every afternoon at noon and 4 p.m. the aquarium invites guests to feed the stingrays. Kids (and adults) can reach into the pool as the stingrays take their lunch (or early dinner) from their hands. It’s recommended for ages 7 and up. For more information visit viaaquarium.com.

Beauty and the Beast Family Fun Day
The Palace Theatre is perhaps the perfect spot to enjoy the Disney’s classic “Beauty and the Beast” movie. The showing starts at 1 p.m. on Wednesday and there will be “Beauty and the Beast”- related games and activities starting at noon. There will be face painting, craft and coloring stations and games. Kids can get their photo taken with Belle and kids 12 and under get free popcorn. Tickets are $5. For more information visit palacealbany.org.;

Paintings of Addy at the Albany Institute of History and Art
If there’s a fan (or two) of American Girl Dolls in the family, this exhibit can’t be missed. The paintings are all originals from the Addy book series and painted by Albany artist Dahl Taylor. On Friday, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. there will be a children’s illustration workshop with Taylor. Registration is required and tickets are $10 for members and $12 for nonmembers. Recommended for ages 8 and up. For more information visit albanyinstitute.org.

Spring into the Museum! School break week
Every day of spring break, the New York State Museum has something going on. Whether the family is interested in astronomy, nature, animals or history, they’ve got it all covered. There’s a Bird Lab, a Star Lab, an Ice Age Exploration Station, as well as knitting activities and story art activities. On Saturday, there will be a CANstruction family day from 1 to 4 p.m. which will include games and activities. Donated cans are welcome. For more information visit nysm.nysed.gov.

Comic Cons
For the anime-lover, this weekend is a great time to be in the Capital Region. There’s the Saratoga Comic Con (at the Saratoga Springs City Center) and the Empire State Comic Con (at the Albany Capital Center). The Albany-based comic con runs from April 6 to the 8 and the Saratoga-based comic con runs from April 7 to the 8. Each features guest speakers from the industry, including puppeteers, Vine-stars, Cosplay artists and others. There will also be Magic tournaments and other activities.

Albany Pine Bush
All week, the Albany Pine Bush gives you a reason to get outside (or learn more about it). There’s a Fox Trot presentation on Monday, Turtle Time on Tuesday and Thursday and a few Pine Bush hikes throughout the week. For more information visit albanypinebush.org.

C.R.E.A.T.E Community Studios
If there’s a creative or a crafty kid in the family, a trip to either the Saratoga Springs or the Schenectady location of C.R.E.A.T.E Community Studios. They have workshops for everything from writing to painting as well as open studio time. To check the schedule visit createcommunitystudios.org.

Foal Patrol
The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will host a celebration of the Museum’s Foal Patrol from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, April 5. There will be a release of the Foal Patrol coloring book, which featured artwork by Sharon Crute.
Kids can watch the Patrol on iPads and televisions in the lobby. There will be other educational actives, as well as giveaways and complimentary food. Admission is free. For more information visit racingmuseum.org.

Norman Rockwell Museum
The Norman Rockwell Museum has a few exhibitions and events for parents and kids alike. Tony DiTerlizzi, author and illustrator of “The Spiderwick Chronicles,” “The Spider and the Fly,” “The Wanda Land Trilogy” and many others will be talking about his work and the exhibition up at the museum, “Never Abandon Imagination,” from 5 to 7 p.m. on April 7. Other exhibitions include “Gloria Stoll Karn: Pulp Romance” and “Reimaging the Four Freedoms.” For more information visit nrm.org.

Mini-golf at the library
The Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library is inviting families to come out and play golf in the library. The game is travel-themed and there will be prizes for winners as well as snacks for all. For more information visit cphlibrary.org.